Inaspect Sue Barker’s life together with BBC dismissal and rock star romance
Sue Barker ended her stint because the BBC‘s Wimbledon host final 12 months, having initially taken up the position in 1999. The 67-year-old has had an fascinating and assorted life which began in skilled tennis and transitioned to tv, the place she endeared herself to viewers over nearly 4 many years. With that, Express Sport takes you thru 4 intriguing tales from Barker’s life up to now…
BBC dismissal
Barker grew to become the face of widespread quiz present A Question of Sport again in 1996 and she or he went on to anchor the programme, which featured the likes of Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell, for the continuing 24 years.
At that time, the BBC took the controversial determination to dismiss Barker within the hope of revamping the present. Opening up on the decision shortly afterwards, the broadcasting veteran admitted that it was a bitter capsule to swallow.
“Apparently the BBC needed to refresh the present – with extra range and extra attraction to a youthful viewers,” she said. “I was gobsmacked. I accepted their decision though I couldn’t help feeling wretchedly sad. The boys were devastated, too.”
Rock star romance
Barker has develop into synonymous with Wimbledon over time, however so has rock star Cliff Richard, who famously sang from the stands of Centre Court in 1996. The pair first met within the Nineteen Eighties and had a whirlwind four-month romance.
Years later, Richard claimed that Barker is the ‘solely individual’ with whom he has had that type of relationship, which included him flying to Denmark to cheer her on in a tennis match and a sighting of the pair cosied up at Wimbledon.
Advert controversy
In 2012, Barker featured in a GoCompare advert which confirmed her firing a rocket launcher on the firm’s infamous character – an opera singer known as Gio Compario. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) acquired greater than 40 complaints in consequence, with some claiming that it was inappropriate for a youthful viewers.
At the time, the ASA stated: “Some people think it offensive especially at a time when children are watching. Others think it inappropriate when our security forces are coming under fire on a daily basis. As with all complaints, we are looking into the matter before deciding if we launch a full investigation.”
Grand Slam champion
Having been on British tv screens for therefore lengthy, it’s simple to neglect that Barker loved a glittering tennis profession, which culminated in her profitable the French Open in 1976.
Devon-born Barker reached quantity three on this planet rankings the next 12 months, when she made it to the semi-finals of each the Australian Open and Wimbledon, though she by no means went any additional on the All England Club earlier than retiring in her late twenties.